A video tutorial on how (and why) to make a taped audition by Biz Studio head coach Michael Bean. A taped audition is any audition that you record and submit to the casting director, instead of auditioning live and in person. Instead of renting a professional studio, you can tape these auditions yourself. All you need is access to a computer, a camera and some very basic software. You can even use the video function on your cellphone if you need to!
Benefits of taped auditions:
- You’re in control
- You can do multiple takes and choose the best one
- Allows you to read for larger roles
- You can use them to convince your agents or casting directors to bring you in for larger roles
What you need for your taped audition:
- Clean background (uncluttered room or wall)
- Basic lighting, and especially an “eye light,” a light that reflects in your eyes (a desk lamp will do)
- Digital camera with video function, webcam or video camera
- Computer
- Blank DVD; you can purchase these at any drugstore or computer store
Step by step:
- Set up the camera, lighting and background
- Connect the camera to your computer
- Open a simple video recording/editing program like iMovie (Mac) or Windows MovieMaker (PC)
- Capture the video onto your computer
- Choose the best takes and delete the rest
- Burn a DVD with a program like iDVD (Mac) or WindowsMediaPlayer (PC) OR
- Use your video program’s “export” function to create a file you can upload to YouTube
- FedEx DVD to casting as per your agent’s instructions OR
- Email your agent a link to the YouTube video